1. Is your computer running slower than normal?
2. Do you keep getting an unusual amount of pop-up windows?
3. Has your homepage or your icons changed without your action?
4. If you are unsure if your PC is infected with malware, you can do a free malware scan here.

Here are just a few tips to help keep your PC safe.

1. Secure your network router. The network router is your gateway to the Internet, so make sure you use a router that has built-in firewall functionality. You should also configure it securely, including changing the default password to one that can’t be easily guessed. Make sure that not just any communication port can connect to the Internet. For instance, many bots use the same communication ports as general Web traffic, so they can’t be blocked.

Here are common words that are often associated with malicious attacks on your PC:

Adware - any software which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Antispyware programs typically are designed to detect adware as well.

Botnet - generally refers to a collection of computers (called zombie computers) running programs such as worms, Trojan horses, or backdoors.

Here are some definitions and facts associated with identity theft:

Identity theft - refers to fraud that involves stealing money or getting other benefits by pretending to be someone else. The term is relatively new and is actually a misnomer, since it is not inherently possible to steal an identity, only to use it. The person whose identity is used can suffer various consequences when they are held responsible for the perpetrator’s actions. In many countries, specific laws make it a crime to use another person’s identity for personal gain.

Recovering from identity theft or identity fraud can take years. While most identities are still stolen the old fashioned way (postal theft, dumpster-diving, etc) the Internet provides these predators with unique opportunities for compromising your identity. Shockingly, children under 18 are becoming the newest targets for ID thieves.

General tips to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft:

1. Complete a thorough scan with your anti-virus and anti-spyware products, even if there is no indication that spyware was the culprit for card loss.

Sure, your kids may know how to navigate the computer and the Internet better than you, but you we can help you be cyber smart too. Learn how to recognize the language of online predators and discover several software tools available to help you monitor your children’s Internet activity and safeguard them from the potential dangers in the virtual world.

Explore this section and discover the important definitions, tips and resources to help defend your children.

Common definitions and Internet language associated with kids’ online activities:

a/s/l - IM shorthand for age/sex/location

MIRL - IM shorthand for Meet in Real Life

P911 - IM shorthand for Parent Alert

Online Safety and Behavior

1. Agree with your child on Internet rules, including how much time per day, what activities and sites are OK, and why.

2. Explain why your children should never share passwords, even with close friends.

3. Teach your child never to click on links or attachments sent by e-mail, unless they know the sender. Even in those cases, use caution.

Additional educational resources to teach kids about online safety:

The following is a listing of government and not-for-profit organizations that provide information and fun tools for teaching your children how to safely navigate the Internet.

http://www.ftc.gov/kidzprivacy/

http://www.netsmartz.org/

If you would like to find out how you can contribute to the CA/National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Caring for our Kids program, click here:

http://security.com/caringforourkids (is this the link for the caring for our kids program).

For more information and to read blogs about PC security, please visit CA Security Advisor: www.ca.com/securityadvisor or www.onguardonline.gov